Tokyo Skytree tries new method for snow, ice removal

Tokyo Skytree is taking a new measure to prevent snow and ice falling from the 634-meter-high tower this winter. Since construction began nine years ago through last year, 13 cases involving damage to cars and homes in the vicinity from falling ice or snow have been reported.

The company that operates Tokyo Skytree said it is using new equipment this year to clear away ice and snow, Fuji TV reported. The new machine emits a mixture of antifreeze and warm water through air pressure. Unlike already existing electronic equipment, the machine can be used even if it is far away from the power source.

The water temperature was also raised from 40 to 60 degrees. The machine can cover a wider range and clear snow more efficiently, the operator said.

The temperature around some parts of the tower is a few degrees lower than ground temperature, so snow and ice can accumulate even if it is not snowing at ground level.

Therefore, Tokyo Skytree is newly acquiring snow forecasts from the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience starting this winter.

Dec. 5, 2018
05:47 pm JST

Dec. 5, 2018
08:04 pm JST

One of my fiends lives about 800m away from the Skytree. His car was hit by a big piece of ice two years ago. It was irreparably damaged his car by crushing the roof. Of course he got an insurance claim and a new car, but his kids had been in the car less than half an hour beforehand. This I’ve build up on the Skytree is extremely dangerous and I fear it is only a matter of time before there is a death (or more). I’ve buildup prevention should have been part of the original design, not an afterthought.

Dec. 5, 2018
08:29 pm JST

Dec. 5, 2018
08:56 pm JST

Anti-freeze is toxic , why not consider electric heating cables or hot water tubes installed vertically so that no build up occurs being quickly reduced to harmless water with zero impact on all concerned ?

Dec. 6, 2018
12:22 am JST

@wtf, I agree with you, but some folk love the things you hate. I want get out of there almost as soon as I arrive, but a lot of my customers feel the same about visiting the sticks; some people don't trust air that they can't see.